By Carol Masshardt
Eighteen-year-old Devoney DeBarros, from South Boston, is graduating from Madison Park Technical Vocational Faculty with a formidable report. A Herald-recognized Scholar-Athlete, he’ll quickly graduate with recognition/honors in Math, School Writing, Biology and Historical past. There’s extra nonetheless to find out about and have fun this senior, headed to Wentworth within the fall.
“My dream is to make my mom proud,” he stated. Devoney appears to know who he’s and what issues past many his age. He’s the second of 4 kids of Janet Iraola, who works on the Hennigan Faculty. His father, David Medeiros, works on the Marriott, and he’s conscious of their work and values.
“My mom has accomplished the whole lot for me, and I need to return it. She has a powerful work ethic and goes means out of her means to assist folks, and I need to be like that, “he stated. “I’ve targets. My mother and father would love a home, and I need to work to assist them get that.”
Of all of the challenges 2025 graduates encounter, Devoney stated his was deciding on the subsequent steps. Accepted to UMass Boston and UMass Amherst, Northeastern, and Wentworth, he considered short- and long-term benefits.
“I assumed that working instantly would permit me to generate profits and begin serving to, however I do know faculty will assist extra in the long term. I’ll think about Building Administration, which is able to give me background and expertise. I wish to see how the whole lot suits collectively on a challenge,” he stated.
Even in making an attempt instances, there’s a sure focus and composure with Devoney DeBarros.
“I’ve a whole lot of buddies, however I keep centered and obtained the perfect grades ever over the previous 4 years. I had one-week straight teachers after which one week with hands-on studying in services administration, so I realized about carpentry, plumbing, all of the areas of constructing,” he stated. “I’m mental and considerate as an individual, and I really like sports activities, and should play basketball, however getting the place I have to go comes first,” he stated. Wentworth appeared like a pure subsequent step.
“I get just a little nervous in regards to the future and all that may occur, however I’ll work arduous,” he stated, “and attempt to make the perfect choices.”
Struggling a critical concussion from soccer at age 15, his mom inspired him to maneuver on from the game he supposed to play, however it started a profitable basketball journey. His perspective, mature and considerate, now turns to his youthful brother.
“He has an opportunity at going far, possibly the NBA, and I need to help him and assist him focus,” he stated.
Self-sufficient and contained, he’s additionally appreciative and requested to call quite a few individuals who have been supportive. His mother and father, and a number of other coaches together with Coaches Dennis Wilson (“he helped me make the transition from soccer to basketball”), Tyrek Wilson (“he at all times wished to see me succeed”), Coach Robinson ( “at all times jogged my memory what I may very well be”), and Coach Harvey (my “push” particular person, and everybody wants that”).
Devoney considers himself lucky, and in some ways he has been. However he additionally is aware of that the world is advanced.
“I’m most involved that not everybody is ready as much as attain their most potential. Everybody ought to be on equal footing to get the place they should go,” he stated.
The mental, athletic, and character energy of Devoney DeBarros will go together with him from Madison Park to Wenworth and past. It’s straightforward to think about that he’ll shortly change into the position mannequin and “push” for others as time goes on and is sure to contribute to the constructing of Boston’s future.
Congratulations, Devoney, on a well-earned highschool commencement!
(Feedback and strategies of different graduates might be despatched to Carol Masshardt at carolhardt@comcast.org)
